The name Horseshoe Falls comes from its horseshoe-like shape which was obtained during late 1800 and early 1900 when it was the most popular Canadian honeymoon destination.

Earlier, it had a typical arc shape, but over the time, erosion has given it the substantial inverted “V” shape which we all see and admire today.

How The Horseshoe Falls Were Created

It was created near the end of ice age, about 12,500 years ago. Melting glaciers formed the Lake Erie and the Lake Ontario.

Niagara River was scored out as a channel between these two lakes.

The waterfalls were created as a result of the juxtaposition of 3 different kinds of rocks. Hard exterior rocks over two layers of soft rocks caused uneven erosion.

The softer rocks eroded faster than the top layer of hard rock forming out the carved falls that lead to outcropped steep falls.

Water Flow

The water of Niagara River squeezes from wide falls into narrow water channel known as Great Gorge.

This creates rapid whirlpools that can easily be seen from the observation decks on the Horseshoe Falls.

The water takes a 90-degree turn to empty into a mile long Gorge.

The water enrages through the Gorge before flowing into lower Niagara River.

Water Color

Beside its grandness, Horseshoe Falls is also famous for its distinctive blueish-green water.

This unique colour comes from naturally occurring water organisms such as algae and their interaction with sunlight.

Rock flour which is the pulverized rock also adds to the water hue. Water at the bottom of the falls appears brown which is often considered to be polluted, but it is because of eroded clay flowing in from Lake Erie and depositing on the base.

Mist

The thundering water of Horseshoe Falls creates an everlasting fog which is as appreciated as the falls itself.

Along with dense fog, it is also common to see sunbow or a rainbow here. In the early 1800s, some people even reported seeing a moonbow at the Niagara Falls.

Booking The Right Niagara Falls Canada Tour

On your Niagara Falls private tours, if you happen to be here late afternoon on a sunny day, you are most likely to see a rainbow.

During winter months, mist creates incredible sights. It freezes everywhere, on the rocks, over trees and other man-made structures creating breathtaking scenes.

It is already winter in Canada, and hence it is a perfect time to book a Canadian holiday with us and make some fresh memories with Niagara Falls.